Despite some challenging weather last week, Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) enforcement and engagement teams were out across Essex delivering high-visibility road safety activity, speaking to residents, dog walkers, cyclists and pedestrians, and supporting Community Speed Watch groups.
The week included a targeted day of action in the west of the county as part of the National Roads Partnership Commercial Vehicle Month, responding directly to resident concerns about speeding heavy goods vehicles and unsafe driving behaviours.
Enforcement Activity Across the County
West Essex
A full day of action took place across Chigwell, Loughton, the A414, Theydon Bois, Thornwood Common and North Weald, with enforcement at eight sites. Officers also visited Thornwood Common Community Speed Watch volunteers, who continued monitoring speeds, despite difficult weather conditions. Volunteers recorded nine vehicles travelling above 39mph in a 30mph limit, with a total of 126 offences recorded across the locations.
Further enforcement took place in Stock, including Stock Road, the A12 at Margaretting and Wyatts Green Road, Coxtie Green Road and Ongar Road at Larchwood Gardens were also visited and there were lots of positive roadside interactions.
North Essex
On the A130, the highest recorded speed was 85mph in a 70mph limit, though the majority of drivers were observed driving carefully and within the limit.
In Uttlesford and Braintree, enforcement covered the A131 Beaulieu Parkway, A120 Takeley, Braintree Road, Great Dunmow and B183 Takeley Park. The highest speed recorded during the week was 119mph in a 70mph limit on the A120.
South Essex
In support of an Operation Vision Zero day of action, officers enforced at four sites across Southend and Shoeburyness including Sutton Road, Thorpe Hall Avenue and Maplin Way, alongside a visit to Community Speed Watch volunteers in Chalkwell. Officers were pleased to report just 11 offences across the day, with most drivers keeping within speed limits.Further visits took place in Benfleet on Rayleigh Road and Bread and Cheese Hill, where the vast majority of traffic was considerate. In Basildon, Ashlyns, the A13 at Pitsea and Hockley Road were enforced, again with positive conversations and public support.
Across the week of action, 583 offences were enforced.
Community and Education Engagement
Alongside enforcement, engagement activity continued in schools. The SERP’s education team visited Millhouse Primary School in Basildon on Monday and Tuesday, delivering early years sessions to three classes, with 46 pupils and 50 parents and carers. Three Year 5 classes were also supported, reaching a further 82 pupils with vital road safety education on key topics like the Green Cross Code and walking to school.
The SERP continues to deliver education, engagement, and enforcement, in a combined effort to support Vision Zero- the shared ambition that no one should be killed or seriously injured on Essex roads. Strong public support, safer driving behaviours and community involvement all play a vital role in making Essex roads safer for everyone: www.saferesssexroads.org/visionzero
